A two member delegation from Rodrigues Island is in Seychelles for a series of discussions with representatives of the Seychelles National Archives for the setting up in Rodrigues of an Archives of Sound and of Moving Images similarly to that of Seychelles National Archives.

Benoit Jolicoeur, Chairperson of Rodrigues Cultural Council and Pierre Louis, a member of the Mauritius autonomous outer island of Rodrigues met with Allain Lucas, the Archives Director to discuss the Seychelles success story of its Sound and Moving Images archives and how can these achievements be of benefits to Rodrigues as the island is in the process of setting up of its very own Sound and Moving Images Archives.

Prior to the meeting, Benoit Jolicoeur and Pierre Louis called on Benjamine Rose, the Seychelles Principal Secretary for Culture to outline their mission in Seychelles. The Rodrigues delegation mission is the direct result of the bilateral cooperation that exists between Rodrigues Island and Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

“Rodrigues Island has so much to learn from Seychelles Archives of Sound and Moving Images which represents for Rodrigues one of the most resourceful centres in the region” said Rodrigues delegation

The setting up the Sound and Moving Images archives in Rodrigues will be a first for the Island.

Following discussions with Allain Lucas, Director of Archives and Norbert Salomon, Mr Jolicoeur explained that they are now exploring the possibility of Rodrigues having its own National Archives building.

Presently Mauritius is administering all archives document of Rodrigues. Mr Jolicoeur outlined that Rodrigues already has the necessarily equipment and materials collected as resource documents for the Sound and Moving Images archives upon its completion. If everything goes according to plan work on the the Sound and Moving Images Archives will start in December 2013.

The two member delegation from Rodrigues will throughout this week continues their discussion with the Seychelles National Archives officials. The delegation from Rodrigues have also paid a courtesy call on the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Mr Alain St.Ange and they will also be meeting with representatives of Seychelles Broadcasting Cooperation. The delegation arrived in Seychelles on Wednesday 12thJune for a one week visit.